(January 11, 1933 – November 14, 2022)
Virginia Ann (Westfall) Stephen of Dublin, Texas passed away peacefully November 14, 2022 in Stephenville, Texas. She was born January 11, 1933 in Carlton, Texas to Ealie and Ota Westfall. Virginia was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Dublin, Texas. She graduated from Dublin High School in 1950 and married her High School Sweetheart, Merril D. Stephen, on July 13, 1950.
In 1960 she opened Stephen’s Studio in DeLeon, Texas and soon Merril joined her in that endeavor. Eventually, they moved the studio to Dublin, Texas. Over the next 25 years Virginia and Merril took many studio portraits, wedding celebrations, anniversary milestones, and family reunion pictures. Virginia was a human “Photoshop” before that technology and color photography was developed. She would make people beautiful by retouching the negatives by hand, to remove all the facial blemishes, and then painting the developed picture by hand to produce a beautiful color portrait. After retiring from the studio, she developed a love for painting and began doing watercolors and oils on canvas. After producing many beautiful paintings, she began hand painting China producing gorgeous plates, bowls, cups, and tea sets. When she was not painting, Virginia, was working in her flower and vegetable gardens, fishing, camping, traveling, and always enjoying friends and family whenever possible.
She had an amazing memory of family history that stretched across 3-4 generations in all related families. As family historian, she developed a unique, fun storytelling ability. She had a laugh that was unforgettable.
Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Ealie and Ota Westfall, her sister Georgia Fuqua, and her beloved husband for nearly 50 years, Merril Stephen.
She is survived by her two sons Damon Stephen and Neal Stephen, her sister Mary Shanks, grandchildren Kyra Stephen Tracy, Aaron Stephen, Eric Stephen, Dustin Stephen, and Cheyne Stephen. Twelve great-grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation will be held at Harrell Funeral Home on Friday November 18, 2022 at 12:00 pm prior to the service.
The Funeral service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home Chapel on Friday November 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm immediately followed by the interment at the Barbee Cemetery.
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